Hill Farm Allowances to increase by 6%

Hill Farm Allowances are to go up by 6% when the Rural Payments Agency starts making the 2008 payments later this month.

The HFA provides dedicated support to beef and sheep producers who farm land in England’s Severely Disadvantaged Areas (SDA), said a DEFRA statement.

It also aims to contribute to the maintenance of the social fabric in upland communities through support for continued agricultural land use.

“This is good news for hill farmers in Severely Disadvantaged Areas and reinforces our commitment to recognising the vital role that they play in delivering the landscape and environmental benefits for England’s uplands,” said junior DEFRA minister Jeff Rooker.

Farmers on Severely Disadvantaged land, other than moorland or common land, will get £37.31/ha between 1ha and 350ha, and £18.66/ha from 350ha to 700ha.

Farmers on Severely Disadvantaged moorland and common land will get £14.12/ha between 1ha and 350ha, and £7.06/ha from 350ha to 700ha.

As of this year, Disadvantaged Area land, including DA moorland and DA common land, will no longer receive an HFA payment.

Liberal Democrat countryside spokesperson, Tim Farron welcomed the 6% increase but said it was nowhere near enough to help farmers struggling in Severely Disadvantaged Areas.

“Hill farming delivers huge environmental benefits to upland areas, such as maintaining biodiversity, preserving land and maintaining the aesthetic beauty of our landscape,” he said.

“The Liberal Democrats would review the level of the Hill Farming Allowance in order to recognise the valuable contribution that these farmers make to our countryside.”